Chief Scientist: Radiation and Reactor Theory (RRT) / Methods And Code Development (MACD) at NECSA

Key Performance Areas 

Knowledge Dissemination 

• Capture research work done in written format; as initiator and primary author, and co-author via regular progress reports, annual progress reports, international conference papers and contributions, journal publications, substantial research and contract client reports, etc.
• Consistently report research results orally at international conferences/meetings.
• Lead in various national and international bodies as part of contributing to the scientific peer-review process. This could include duties on editorial panels and workshop OR conference organisation on national or international level. Maintain consistent record.
• Initiate publications, through supervision or as project leader, in the field of expertise.
• Represent Necsa on conferences, seminars and workshops both locally and internationally.
• Collaborate with other experts on projects, workshops or international nuclear bodies both locally and internationally.
• Show formal level of national recognition in field of expertise e.g. National Research Foundation (NRF) rating, Honorary researcher appointments, Membership in science committees, Invited speakers etc.
• Perform work at the level of achieving international recognition in field of expertise via collaborative projects, involvement in workshops and/or international nuclear bodies.

Human Capital Development Local and International 

• Mentor staff members in areas of specialisation.
• Participate as study leader or co-supervisor of postgraduate students in programs such as university collaborations and NRF PDP (Professional Development Programme).
• Lead research teams.
• Maintain a track record of supervision and graduation of MSc and PhD level students and mentor colleagues to higher levels of career progression.
• Supervise and graduate post-graduate students at Masters and/or Doctoral levels.
• Establish strategic partnerships and collaborate with academia to further the image of Necsa and enhance the technology development pipeline.

Contribution to NECSA business processes 

• Initiate and execute research tasks with no supervision.
• Initiate and lead large scale research programs/projects.
• Project scope at this level should include large research programs spanning at least 2-3 years.
• Create know-how that is of commercial and or strategic value to Necsa and which can be further exploited by the relevant Necsa structures.
• Establish strategic partnerships with industry and scientific bodies that add clear value to Necsa business and the National System of Innovation (NSI). 
• Contribute to research funding applicable to Necsa projects.
• Projects at this level should span at least 3 years and include a notable human and scientific infrastructure management.

SHEQ and other audits 

• Maintain compliance to Business Process Management System.
• Engage in processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Building Head, Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) Management Sponsor, Research & Innovation (R&I) representative on Skills Development Committee (SDC), etc.
• Ensure that safety and quality processes are adhered to in directed projects.
• Manage processes aimed at improving safety, quality and security, e.g. Discipline manager and its associated responsibilities, licencing an operational compliance for NNR and SAHPRA.
• Take the lead in the resolving of audit findings and improvement actions.
• Contribute to development of appropriate requirements and standards at national and international level with respect to area of expertise.
• Advise Departmental and Necsa Management on strategic matters related to licensing and SHEQ requirements in area of expertise.

Financial Management 

• Develop project budget as project leader and stay within project budget or portion of assigned budget.
• Take initiatives to increase income and reduce expenditure.
• Contribute notably to the meeting of section/group income and revenue targets by targeting potential funds from Industrial partnerships, contract research and/or research funding mechanisms like the NRF, TIA seed fund or the IAEA.
• Contribute notably to the meeting of Necsa/departmental strategic and revenue targets.

Key Knowledge & Skills 

• Industry expert in area of specialisation.
• Soft skills example: Situational Leadership, Investment in Excellence, Mentoring.
• Technical / professional competence
• The role requires clear national, and some level of international standing as a specialist in the area of expertise.

Competencies (Job Specific and Behavioral)

• Scientific report writing and communication.
• Project budget drafting, forecasting and management.
• Able to work in a research team as leader.
• Anticipating and managing change.
• Interpersonal communication skills.
• Holistic / big picture thinking.
• Judgement and decision-making.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience:

Academic

• MSc/MEng/MTech in Science or Engineering.
• PhD/DEng/DTech in relevant field would be an advantage.

Minimum experience required

• 8-10 years research experience in computational method and code development in reactor physics, 2-3 years in scientific project coordination. This should include:
• 5 years experience in computational method and code development in reactor physics;
• 2 to 3 years in project leadership;
• 2 to 3 years in technology development;
• 3 to 4 years of experience in human capital development; and
• 3 to 4 years of experience in computational software development, coding and related software design.